ZipPicks Awards
Best Bagels in Boerum Hill
Master Critic Review
Black Seed Bagels – Boerum Hill
8.0
Black Seed’s Boerum Hill outpost brings its wood-fired, Montreal-meets–New York bagel style to a compact, commuter-friendly shop. The focus is on carefully built bagel sandwiches, smoked fish, and craft schmears that skew a bit pricier but feel more curated than a classic corner deli.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, Egg & cheese breakfast sandwich on a sesame bagel, Whitefish salad on a poppy seed bagel
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Artisanal, wood-fired bagels with a strong smoked-fish and sandwich program.
Who should go: Bagel fans wanting more upscale toppings and flavor combos.
When to visit: Morning commute hours or early afternoon for lighter crowds.
What to order: Classic lox sandwich, egg-and-cheese, and a specialty schmear.
Insider tip: Order ahead online for faster pickup during the weekday rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets before 9am, but tough after 5pm and on weekends.
Dress code: Come casual—athleisure and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate during rush hours; easy conversation outside peak commuter windows.
Weekend wait: N/A — closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically a brief 5–10 minute line; mobile order pickup is fastest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage—multiple egg, cheese, and veggie-forward bagel sandwiches and spreads.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie toppings and spreads work, but full vegan sandwiches are scarce.
Gluten-free options: No traditional gluten-free bagels; cross-contact risk makes it unsuitable for strict GF needs.
Best For
Better for: Premium bagel sandwiches, smoked fish quality, and an upscale, design-forward feel.
Skip if: You want a budget-friendly classic deli bagel, wide seating, or gluten-free replacements.